Premble.
The decision to buy this expansion was driven by the scenarios, plus the four units of red banner Mounted Knights. As I’ve detailed in my review of the Dwarven Battalion expansion, I think all the Dwarves should really have been included in that expansion. One of the things I like about Battlelore is the fusion between historical battles and the fantasy setting, hence this Scottish Wars expansion appealed to me.

Components.
This expansion comprises: four units of blue banner Iron Dwarves Spear Bearers; two units of blue banner Iron Dwarves Clan Chiefs; two units of blue banner Iron Dwarves Cattle Riders; four units of red banner mounted knights; plus associated banners and cards. There is also an eight page rule book with five additional scenarios.

The components are standard Battlelore fare, and hence of good quality. I think all the figures look good, although I’m not particularly keen on the Cattle Riders. As with all the other expansions, my main gripe is that you really don’t get much at all for your money. This set retails for 25 Euros or about £17, which seems overpriced to me.


Gameplay.
The Iron Dwarves Spear Bearers are common to the Dwarven Battalion expansion. They are basically a little tougher than standard Dwarves, being slightly better against mounted units, and battling back at +1d.

The Iron Dwarves Clan Chiefs are also ‘extra hard’, but in a different way. They can charge up to 2 hexes into melee, and when at full strength they battle with an additional dice and are Bold2.

The Iron Dwarves Cattle Riders are basically just an excuse to show that no self-respecting Dwarf should ride anything! They can only move up to two hexes and battle, and they Gain Ground rather than engaging in Pursuit. They are also not Bold by default.

The Mounted Knights are hard hitting. They are red banners, Bold, ignore one flag and possibly battle back. They also ignore one bonus strike rolled against them in melee.

So, What Do I Think?
Overall, I’m pleased with this expansion and give it 7 out of 10. The highlights are the scenarios and the Mounted Knights. There are some additional rules to decrease the impact of lore in the Historical Battles, but I’ve enjoyed playing the scenarios both with and without these, so they can be used to just change the flavour of the game as and when you like. The scenarios themselves (Stirling Bridge, Falkirk, Bannockburn, Dupplin Moor, Neville’s Cross) may not appeal to the historical purist, but are great fun. They have historical notes for added interest, but include special rules and terrain set ups that make for highly enjoyable games.

As I’ve said in other reviews of Battlelore figure expansions, I think the package isn’t quite right, and it is a little bit expensive. The other Dwarves should have been included in the Dwarven Battalion expansion. I don’t think the Cattle Riders add anything at all really, and could easily have been left out of any package altogether.